Ms. Huỳnh Thanh Thảo came from Rằng Hamlet, Trung Lập Thượng Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. She suffered from the glass bone disease as a result of the Agent Orange effects on her father. She was over 30 years old. Her height was only 65 centimetres, and her weight 25 kilograms. Also, her legs were paralyzed. In contrast with a common thought that her life would be tied to the sick bed, with a strong will and great energy, she did things that seemed impossible.
In her childhood, she dreamed of being educated. Thereby, she tried to learn things from her family members anytime and anywhere. Being able to read and write, she began to fulfil her dream of teaching literacy to poor children. This work was not simple at all because it was really difficult for her to move to the class. It was even harder for her to use her hands to walk the wheelchair there. She overcame all obstacles to work with the poor children. Many families in the hamlet asked her to help teach their children. Gradually, her tutor class was formed. She taught them two subjects, i.e. the Vietnamese language and Mathematics. This free class has helped several kids achieve the title of excellence. In addition to teaching literacy, she taught them about affection, optimism and faith in life. With the support from some benefactors, she set up a mini library right in her house. The library provided books of various types and attracted many young readers.
For many years, besides her teaching, she worked with charity organizations to establish a fund for children who are living in difficult circumstances in the hamlet. She was also interested in social work. Then she always tried to learn from documents, books, newspapers, etc. to improve her knowledge. She actively participated in some competitions such as “Gratitude Pen”, and “Summer Storytelling” etc. organized at various levels. She won several high prizes. In 2010, she won the A prize in the contest “Vietnam’s Youth to Follow Uncle Ho’s Teachings”, and became a member of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.
With her constant efforts in life, confrontation with the fate, takeover of difficulties, and construction of a meaningful life full of share with the community, Ms. Huỳnh Thanh Thảo deserved to be praised as a typical example in the 3rd National Emulation Congress on “For Agent Orange Victims” in 2016.
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